New England Patriots QB Drake Maye has never thrown in altitude before.
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye will experience a first this Sunday.
The UNC product has never thrown in altitude before, so he will see what it's all about when the Patriots face the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship Game.
"No, I haven't thrown at altitude before. I've never really been to Colorado or to a place with altitude that I've thrown a football at, but I think there is some adjustment to it," Maye said. "Feeling it out in warmups, seeing what a deep ball is like or what the altitude does.
"I think the biggest thing, for us, just kind of fatigue-wise, I think we'll try to get a feel for it in warmups. I know it's a little different, but I know a lot of teams play out there all the time. So, we'll have an adjustment. Just for me, just feeling out warmups, maybe throw a few extra deep ones, see how it is. I think it'll be pretty cool. Get a few extra yards on a deep ball, you can always use that."
Denver not only has altitude, but it also has some of the loudest fans in the world.
That means Maye and Co. will be using the silent count on offense in the AFC Championship Game.
"Yeah, I use a silent count every road game," Maye said. 'Really, I think every road game this season we've used it. I think the loudness of the stadium for this week will be different than what we've heard, just because of the AFC Championship at a road opponent that has had history of winning Super Bowls and playing in playoff games and has a great team.
"So, the magnitude of the noise will probably be something we haven't seen this year yet, but a silent count is something we've been working all year. We've been in Buffalo and Baltimore using silent counts where it's tough to hear in the huddle and tough for the O-line to hear me. So, we just go in the silent and we've done a good job."
The Patriots are favored to beat the Broncos, who will not have starting QB Bo Nix. New England is one win away from reaching the Super Bowl for the first time since the 2018 season.
Maye, who could win the MVP Award this season, doesn't mind playing on the road because it brings the entire team together.
"I think playing on the road is – one of the coolest things is coming off the field at their place, with screaming fans, and coming out with a win," Maye said. "I think it's pretty cool to celebrate and celebrating in an away locker room that's different. Coach [Mike Vrabel] has always been saying, 'Road warriors.'
"So, we're trying to find that one more time and finish out strong what we've done this year. We've got a tough job and a tough challenge, but I think the guys will be pumped up and ready for it."
If the Patriots beat the Broncos, they will face the Los Angeles Rams or Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Let's see if Maye can lead New England to the big game.
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